Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

New York is 87% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,779/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 30%
$79,713/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 20%
$751,700 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 64%
$1,837/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 26%
8,516,202
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $15,696/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Norfolk — common questions

Is New York or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Norfolk?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Norfolk?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $15,696/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Virginia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View Norfolk details →

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